Peter Nguyen (Annamese Restaurant Manager) of Annamese Brisbane is one of the friendly faces that will greet you when you dine at Annamese Brisbane, a warm, welcoming space where traditional flavours meet a fresh, modern twist. We sat down with him to discover more about what has inspired his journey with the restaurant and his recommendations when dining.
1. What inspired Annamese?
At Annamese, we believe that our mission is to keep the soul of Vietnam alive and thriving beyond its borders. We are devoted to sharing the spirit of Northern Vietnam with the world not only through the authentic flavors of our homeland, but through the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage that shape them. Also, we are trying to create an answer that most of us have been asked by our foreigner friend, “Where is the good place to have good Vietnamese food in Brisbane CBD?”
2. In your opinion, what makes memorable Vietnamese cuisine?
What truly defines Vietnamese cuisine — and what Annamese strives to express — is its delicate balance between strength and finesse. The flavors are never overpowering, yet never timid; they are layered, purposeful, and harmonious.
At Annamese, we celebrate natural, nuanced tastes presented with care and intention. Each dish is accompanied by fresh herbs, bringing brightness and vitality to every bite. The cooking may appear simple, but beneath that simplicity lies a remarkable depth of flavor — food that is wholesome, comforting, and quietly refined.
It is this balance — bold yet elegant, light yet satisfying — that makes it unmistakably Vietnamese.
3. Tell us what patrons can expect when they dine at Annamese?
Great food is a given, but beyond that, we want our guests to feel like they’re stepping into a Vietnamese home rather than a restaurant. My team and I have carefully designed the space to reflect a traditional Northern Vietnamese house, featuring dark wood furnishings and a red-brick courtyard. At Annamese, we believe in treating every guest like family, so you can expect a warm welcome, genuine smiles, and friendly, attentive service from the moment you arrive.
4. What is the best piece of advice you have been given and from whom?
I still remember back in 2020, when I felt completely uncertain about my future and was overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do after high school. One of my teachers told me, “We live in a very material world where almost everything can be bought with money. Doesn’t that make peace one of the most luxurious things a person can have? So for now, focus on finding your peace, and everything else will follow as long as you keep moving forward.”
That advice stayed with me. It led me to take a gap year, during which I explored different jobs, and that’s when I discovered that hospitality is truly where I belong.
5. What are your signature dishes you would recommend to someone who hasn’t dined at Annamese?
I strongly believe that the grilled pork vermicelli bowl — Bún chả Hà Nội — is an absolute must-try, and it remains our most popular dish. Smoky grilled pork, delicate rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a perfectly balanced dipping sauce come together in a way that captures the very essence of Hanoi’s street food culture.
Close behind is our Wagyu beef fried rice with pickled mustard greens — Cơm rang dưa bò — a comforting yet refined dish where rich, tender beef meets the gentle tang of fermented greens.
Another standout is the pan-fried turmeric barramundi, inspired by the iconic Chả cá Lã Vọng. Fragrant with dill and turmeric, it is vibrant, aromatic, and deeply rooted in Northern Vietnamese culinary tradition.
6. What differentiates Annamese from its sister venues Phoreal and Ming Mings Kitchen?
I’d say that Phoreal and Ming Ming’s Kitchen offer a broader picture of Vietnamese cuisine, while Annamese focuses more on the Northern region. We don’t just bring a taste of Vietnam to Australia—we invite you into our home, sharing the kind of authentic Northern Vietnamese meals you’d find at a family dining table, or the comforting dishes enjoyed on a sidewalk of Vietnam after a long day’s work.
7. What is your favourite thing about the dining scene in Brisbane?
There have been many changes since I first moved here in 2023. There are now far more restaurants and cuisines to explore, and it’s about more than just good food. More authentic dining spots are sharing the stories and cultural traditions behind their dishes, which has made me appreciate the hospitality industry even more than before.
8. What are you reading/watching or listening to at the moment?
I am listening to lots of songs from “The Pretty Reckless” and “Raye” at the moment. Music is a very big part of my life so I can not live without it.
Visit Annamese Brisbane on Podium 2, Brisbane Quarter. For bookings, please book via their website here.